Safer sex in young urged as STIs continue to rise
Responsible sex lives are vital to reduce STI rates, HPA says
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Tuesday, 15, Jul 2008 01:11
Young people are being urged to take a more responsible attitude to sex as rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) continue to rise.
Figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that there was a six per cent increase in the total number of new STIs diagnosed in 2007 compared to 2006.
The greatest STI burden is amongst young people aged 16 to 24, who are disproportionately affected by STIs.
While just one in eight of the population are aged 16 to 24 years old, this age group accounts for around half of all newly diagnosed STIs in the UK - 65 per cent of all chlamydia; 55 per cent of all genital warts and 50 per cent of gonorrhoea infections diagnosed in Gum (genitourinary medicine) clinics last year.
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Professor Peter Borriello, director of the HPA's Centre for Infections, said a shift in behaviour is needed to bring down the UK's STI rates.
"Substantial numbers of young people remain undiagnosed, untreated and unaware of the risk they pose both to their own health and that of their sexual partner," he added.
"It is crucial that young people continue to be exposed to messages about safe sex, including condom wearing, and the importance of getting checked out at their nearest Gum clinic if they have had unprotected sex with a new partner."
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) claimed today's figures show young people are "not getting the education and services they need to manage their health and relationships".
"THT is taking testing out to pubs and youth groups and making it easier for young people who are sexually active to get tested and treated," commented Lisa Power, THT head of policy.
"We're also lobbying hard for comprehensive compulsory sex and relationships education for all young people - a policy agreed by every major political party in the UK except the one in power. The government needs to join them and put the health of young people first."
Across all age groups the HPA says almost 400,000 (397,990) new STIs were diagnosed in UK Gum clinics in 2007 – an increase from 375,843 in 2006.
It claims that STI diagnoses are increasing as a result of changes in sexual behaviour; a substantial increase in the number of sexual health screenings at Gum clinics; and the use of more sensitive diagnostic tests.
The HPA today advised that access to sexual health services for young people should be made easier and that better personal and sexual health education be carried out.